Following the conclusion of the 2022 Formula Virtual World Championship in Mexico last weekend, Royal Phoenix Motorsport have released a series of announcements regarding the team and its drivers. Following the Mexican V-Prix on Sunday, British Formula Virtual team Phoenix released the statement via their website: “First of all, we would like to say a huge thank you from everyone at Phoenix to Nic Morley, the FVA, and the entire FV team for continuing to run such a fantastic series. Formula Virtual brings so many great people together from around the world and we are honoured to have been a part of it for another great season. We firmly believe that the series is still going from strength to strength and the future is incredibly exciting! Secondly, as most of you will be aware, Will [Taylor] was given time off for the Mexican V-Prix in order to be present at the birth of his third child. We are ecstatic to announce, with the blessing of Will and Leah, that the birth went as smoothly as possible on Saturday 26th November as Leah gave birth to a boy. Welcome to the world little Oliver, from everyone at Phoenix! Of course, Will’s absence from the Mexican V-Prix meant that we were forced into a late change with Burton-upon-Trent’s finest, James Thompson, coming in to replace him. JT brought us one of our highest highs by qualifying fourth then battled admirably in the race on a strategy which clearly did not work. It feels like an appropriate time to announce that he has signed on as Reserve Driver for another year in 2023, which will be his eighth season at Phoenix. Above: 'JT' on the opening lap of the Mexican V-Prix. As well as this, we are also very pleased to announce that Abel Osterhagen has joined the team as our second Reserve Driver for 2023. Abel is a driver who has always been a close friend of the team since racing for us in the VTC and it is great to have him officially joining the roster. He will work closely with JT and Dom on simulator work in order to get the maximum out of the PX6 – which we hope to present to the world in January. Above: Abel Osterhagen battles with Jean Mattson, Australia 2015. It is also with great pleasure that we announce the signing of highly rated Technical Director Andy Dwyer, who will join Phoenix as Gary’s [Haythornthwaite – Phoenix Technical Director] number two. Andy was the Technical Director at Lucas V-Prix during their entire time as a Formula Virtual team and lead a team that built some magnificent purple machines over the years. Unfortunately, as you are all aware, the Lucas team made the difficult decision to abruptly leave Formula Virtual this season, which saddened many of us. In recent weeks, we have been in contact with Lucas Wilson who wishes to continue the sponsorship agreement between the team and Wilson Oils, as well as continuing to own a stake in the team. As such, we will continue to proudly display the Wilson Oils logo on our livery as well as the famous ‘Lucas purple’ colour in some form. We must also place on record our tremendous thanks to Allar Kangur who has been unbelievable for us this season, on loan from Porsche Mathershaw. Allar, you have taken the team to new heights this season and we have learnt so much from you as a top-class driver. You have an incredible career ahead of you in Formula Virtual and we wish you the very best next season with our good friends over at Ingram! Above: Kangur on the final lap of the 2022 Czech Republic V-Prix, where the Estonian equalled Phoenix's best ever result with second place. Finally, we just want to say thank you and goodbye to the Porsche Mathershaw and Highwind teams. We’ve had some great times on and off the track over the years and everyone here at Phoenix will truly miss you greatly. Please feel free to pop into the garage at any time and know that you’ll always be welcomed with a brew and a butty. With all that being said, here’s to the next era of Formula Virtual!”
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